Don’t Look Back

Almatypatty - 20 Nov, 2024

Don’t Look Back- an excellent book. Adults in family I read it twice and found it very moving. Such bravery! Wills (12)devoured it, plus notes at the back, and really enjoyed it (if that’s the right expression).Lots of conversation followed. Fred (10)said he got so lost (meant absorbed) that forgot he was reading a book.
Would also like to mention the very simple but appropriate illustrations that carry the story along, not just there to look pretty. Should be on every Year 6 class book shelf . Well done Becca- more please!

Emma Goodridge - 15 Nov, 2024

What a beautiful book! Full of heart and creativity and so well written. My kids (and I!) loved it. An absolute must.

Cathie - 12 Nov, 2024

This is a wonderful, inspiring and magical book for young and not so young readers. I found it thought provoking and brought a lump to my throat. It is so well written and illustrated and I am sure young readers will love it.

John Bryden - 07 Nov, 2024

I really enjoyed this book. And I'm an adult! (allegedly) The book is an adventure story, which tells of the daring escape of a couple and their very young baby from a country that has been occupied by a hostile foreign power which oppresses the native people and suppresses their human rights. The book is written in simple, direct language which, together with the striking illustrations (also done by the author), will surely captivate and engross children in the adventure story. Right now, when the plight of refugees is shown everyday on our TV screens, this is surely a story for our time, and one told so simply and yet so powerfully that it must surely plant and foster that seed of compassion in a child, that empathy for others, that is so needed in our troubled world today.

Anne Irwin - 06 Nov, 2024

As a retired Literacy coordinator I can't recommend this lovely book highly enough.
There is a real need in our schools for relevant texts for our many children fleeing the horrors of war and turmoil
It is beautifully illustrated by the author who also provides the accessible text and is a must in our classrooms and libraries

Mike Okninski - 28 Oct, 2024

This is an excellent book. A true story which can be seen repeating itself all over the world today .It is a great vehicle for helping our young people to understand the real life challenges faced by those facing persecution and the need to move for safety and a better life. The back story brings the characters to life and is a lovely touch enabling adults to see this is not simply a children's book .Hopefully it will find its way into many schools and families ! Congratulations, Becca!

Gisele white - 25 Oct, 2024

Amazing book!

Jackie - 19 Oct, 2024

As a child, there is nothing more cosy than curling up in an armchair with a loved one and listening to a story…
Becca’s book is her Grandparents true story of escape. The loveable characters and illustrations really bring the story to life. True stories are always so much more meaningful and the further explanation at the end of the book makes the story all the more poignant.
The simplistic writing style means that this complex topic is accessible to children of various ages and understanding.
As an early years professional I will use this book as a tool to help children develop an understanding of the wider world and to explore different feelings and emotions.
Not just for children, this is a truly heart-warming book. I loved it!

Melissa Lomas - 19 Oct, 2024

This beautifully written story conveys the struggle one family endured in past times but could just as easily apply to the very real challenges faced by so many people in todays world. It teaches our children just what fleeing a country means from a historical point of view but also from todays perspective. This true story is part of history & is shared in a way that cleverly educates children of various ages. For the younger reader, the pictures paint the story alone but for the older reader a real history lesson! The wonderful illustrations bring alive this true tale of escape to a better life which is so pertinent today. It's important our children have understanding of that. 10 out of 10 from Harry aged 8 & the rest of the family too! Such a fabulous book. Thank you.

David Milligan - 17 Oct, 2024

A gem of a book. This is a powerful story of one family’s escape to freedom - beautifully told and illustrated.

Reading it has opened my kids’ eyes to the idea that some people are left with no choice but to escape from their home countries and risk everything in the hope of a better life.

Highly recommended.

Camilla Parry - 17 Oct, 2024

Don’t Look Back is an inspirational true story cleverly crafted as a children’s book. The story is full of peril and adventure making it extra engaging for young ones with a beautiful moral of courage.
We really liked the true story description at the end which gives more context for adults and older children along with the old photographs of the real life characters.
The beautiful illustrations completely bring the tale to life and cheeky character of Anthony jumps off the page.

We would highly recommend Don’t Look Back to readers young and old, whoever reads it will draw inspiration from the epic tale of escape.

Caroline - 17 Oct, 2024

This book is beautifully written and illustrated. The story is surprisingly moving and impactful whilst not being too heavy for the age range. We loved it and look forward to reading more from this author.

Maja - 17 Oct, 2024

"Don't Look Back" is a book that tells the story of a child refugee, likely capturing the struggles, fears, and hopes of those who have been displaced by conflict.

This book will deeply resonate with all war refugees offering them a voice and a window of understanding for others.

"Don't Look Back" should be an addition to every school library reflecting a hope of peace and tolerance in the future.

https://www.bookguild.co.uk/bookshop/dont-look-back/